Meet the CACFP Family Child Care Steering Committee Leading the Community of Wellness!

One year ago, this group of women chose to volunteer their time to create a space for family child care providers to join together over Zoom and Facebook and in-person, when we can, to support each other as nutritious and loving meals are served in family child care settings. They want to grow participation in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), lead the way in a support network for family child care providers to discuss tips, tricks, and even frustrations in serving meals in their care, and always provide space to prioritize wellness of providers themselves. Advocacy is another big priority as they seek to bring family child care providers to make the CACFP a fairer, easier program to manage - and raise reimbursement rates!

CACFP Roundtable supports them as they seek to make a movement around nutritious meals for children and families all while prioritizing the real experiences and needs of family child care providers - as whole people who need to take care of themselves too.

The steering committee has hosted three Community of Wellness Zoom meetings, with another coming up this weekend, March 22nd! Expert, Mary Beth Testa from MBST Solutions will be our guest to provide updates on policy and advocacy at the federal level and followed by a discussion about the Power in Play and anything else that is top of mind. There will also be a raffle for two $25.00 gift cards. Be a part of the movement! Family child care providers, Register Here! They have also started a Facebook group to start conversations, keep conversations going, share resources, and build relationships with each other.

Without further ado - meet the CACFP Family Child Care Steering Committee!

Catherine Scott

Catherine Scott has been providing care for 39 years. As the founder of Scott Family Childcare Learning Center in Long Beach, California, Catherine has built a prestigious 5-star program, seamlessly blending professional excellence with the warmth and comfort of home. Her dedication to individualized care is deeply rooted in her personal experiences.

Catherine's influence extends beyond her program. She actively supports parents by connecting them to essential community resources and offering invaluable guidance. She also plays a crucial role in the professional development of other Family Childcare Providers, ensuring high-quality care and financial stability within the community.

A passionate advocate for peer-to-peer mentoring, Catherine understands the importance of nurturing newer providers. By sharing her extensive experience and knowledge, she fosters a collaborative environment of continuous improvement, helping newer providers achieve high standards of care and success.

For 18 years, Catherine has served as a Mentor Teacher and Director Mentor for the California Early Childhood Mentor Program.

Catherine's academic credentials are equally commendable. She holds a Family Development Credential from Cornell University, a B.A. in Human Development, and a Master’s in Early Childhood Education with a specialization in Childhood Trauma Studies from Pacific Oaks.

Claudia Mendoza

Hayley Village

Jackie Johnson

Juliana Ramirez

Karen Kohler

Tonya Muhammad

We're seeking your expertise for the Annual CACFP Conference in Monterey, CA! Submit your proposal to engage with the CACFP Community and share your experiences, best practices, and love for CACFP. Learn more here.

Don't miss your opportunity to dive into infant and toddler feeding in CACFP! The Roundtable Deep Dive Virtual Summit is coming in May! Learn more and register here.